QUAD CITIES, USA (Dec. 16, 2024) – United Way Quad Cities (UWQC) is seeking volunteers for its free tax preparation services during the 2025 tax season.
 
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, led by United Way and AARP, help thousands of local individuals and families prepare their income taxes free of charge.
 
Volunteers are needed to prepare basic tax returns for Quad Cities families with a household income of $67,000 or less to ensure they receive the tax credits they’re eligible for, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC).
 
Last spring, more than 100 volunteers at nine sites helped bring 3,347 Quad Citizens one step closer toward financial security, totaling over $3.86 million in federal refund dollars. The average return was $1,129.
 
Due to the rising costs of food, housing, medicine and other basic needs, many Quad Citizens are facing uncertainty and are struggling. This free tax prep program helps provide thousands of individuals and families with the boost they need to help strengthen their financial security and provide some much-needed support in a year marred with inflation.
 
It may sound intimidating to prepare someone else’s taxes, but Max Bigalk, United Way Quad Cities VITA Coordinator, shares that it’s not difficult. “You don’t need prior experience. We provide IRS-certified training for all our volunteers, and you’re working with very experienced site coordinators. It’s a great opportunity to learn a new skill set and meet new people. And most importantly, the more volunteers we have, the more neighbors we can help.”
 
Volunteers must be 18 years or older, and are required to complete a training and certification. Volunteer registration closes Jan. 24, 2024. To volunteer, visit UnitedWayQC.org/VITA.
 
For more information about VITA, eligibility requirements, what documents are needed for a tax preparation appointment and to be notified when appointments are available, visit UnitedWayQC.org/VITA.
 
The Quad Cities VITA Coalition is led by United Way Quad Cities, in collaboration with AARP of Western Illinois and AARP of Eastern Iowa and funded in part by the Iowa Center for Economic Success, IHMVCU and GreenState Credit Union.